Victoria Monét’s fans are poised to have a very Merry Christmas thanks to the singer who’s as generous as she is gorgeous. She’s gifted her adoring public with another new release following the October drop of JAGUAR II: Deluxe. Right on time for the holidays and decking the halls, Victoria presents A Jaguar II Christmas: The Orchestral Arrangements.
A Jaguar II Christmas is a fully instrumental collection that showcases the work of producer and string arranger Maurice “Pirahnahead” Herd and his Soulchestra string orchestra in association with JAGUAR executive producer D’Mile. Detroit-native Herd, who has worked with several SoulBounce faves including The Foreign Exchange, Zo! and Brandon Williams, is behind these orchestral arrangements, and he outdoes himself with this charming set of clever interpretations and slick interpolations with a yuletide twist.
Like its predecessor – 2020’s A Jaguar Christmas: The Orchestral Arrangements EP, which revisited selections from JAGUAR – this new project does the same for JAGUAR II and its deluxe edition. Lead single “Smoke” gets transformed into the holly jolly “It’s A Celebration Every Time It Snows.” This verison includes an interpolation of the standard “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” in addition to Vic’s own “Smoke (Reprise)” and “Party Girls.”
Herd and Soulchestra add some holiday music hallmarks to “Cadillac Christmas” and “How Does It Make You Feel” to give them a more festive feel. The Christmas party really gets started on the refix to Victoria’s anthemic hit “On My Mama.” It receives a delightful update with “On My Mama (Christmas Medley)” featuring “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “The Twelve Days Of Christmas” and “O Come Let Us Adore Him” flawlessly blended into the track.
“I’m The One (Jingle Bells)” flips “I’m The One” with “Jingle Bells” as the title suggests. Her sassy number “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)” gets revamped with some big band swing on “Stop (Askin Me 4Gifts).” Meanwhile on “Christmas In Hollywood,” the already lovely instrumental receives a holiday makeover with the addition of “Deck The Halls,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy To The World” into the mix.
The collection ends its sleigh ride with “Merry Christmas Dan (Deluxe Medley).” In case you’re wondering who “Dan” is, it’s an acronym for “D**kAtNight” from JAGUAR II: Deluxe. Included in this medley are additional deluxe cuts “SOS (Sex On Sight)” and “The Greatest” before Monét, Herd and D’Mile wrap this musical gift up with a bow.
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, Victoria Monét’s A Jaguar II Christmas: The Orchestral Arrangements is perfect for your holiday listening. It’s safe to play for family members of all ages as you gather around the tree. Spin this project in conjunction with A Jaguar Christmas: The Orchestral Arrangements and set the season off right.
Victoria Monét A Jaguar II Christmas: The Orchestral Arrangements [Amazon][Apple Music][TIDAL]
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